Long Beach council to discuss budget deficit report

Editor's note: Due to incorrect information provided to the Press-Telegram, this story originally stated that businesses would be required to allow pets on patios. That has been corrected to explain that businesses would still have the option to prohibit pets.

LONG BEACH - City leaders on Tuesday will receive a report on and discuss potential tax measures in response to continuing budget deficits.

The report, which will be delivered during a special meeting before the City Council's regular session, was not complete Monday, officials said.

Long Beach announced a three-year, $26.1 million budget deficit early last month.

The forecast worsened on March 13 when the state's public employee retirement fund lowered its expected return rate on investments, meaning the city will have to pump more money toward its pension obligations.

The action by the California Public Employees' Retirement System pushed the deficit to $33.8 million in the next three years.

The special meeting will be held at 5 p.m. in City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd.

A live broadcast can be viewed on Charter Communications Channel 3, Verizon FiOS Channel 21 and at www.longbeach.gov. The regular council session is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Dogs on restaurant patios

On its regular agenda, the council will consider an item asking for a policy to give restaurant owners the option to allow pet dogs on outdoor restaurant patios.

Dogs aren't allowed on restaurant patios in Long Beach where food is served.

The request is sponsored by Councilman Robert Garcia and co-sponsored by Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal and Councilman Gary DeLong.

"Allowing pet dogs on outdoor restaurant patios creates community and a dining experience for all members of the family, including four-legged ones," said Garcia.

"Changing the existing policy will encourage healthy living, promote business and build community."

Los Angeles County approved a policy in December that allows dog owners to dine with their pets on restaurant patios.

Under the Long Beach proposal, businesses would still be able to prohibit pets, Garcia said.

The legislation asks city staff to return to the council with a proposed policy in 90 days.